Short/Long boots-When to 'graduate'?

rara007

rara007

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This sounds so strange, but I wonder if any of you can help me, so here we go.

When I was a child I was not allowed 'proper' riding boots, except for when I had to have them for the rules (Like shetty Grand National) as my parents said I had to be 18 or have a horse. I'm not sure if this is a tradition, or just what they decided.

Now I'm 17, and I don't know if I look stupid still in my short boots. TBH I don't too much care, I'm on a pony with a GP saddle anyway so always stick out.

Baisicaly I will be doing abit of dressage (possably a few BD events as I have support for that from a lovely lady
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) although I doubt I will have much time next year. I could get some long boots for christmas, as my parents recon I'm old enough
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,and won't get a horse for a long while. Do you think I would look smarter?

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That is what I wear ATM. Any other bits that would make me look less like a tramp, or Pony clubber giving it a go would also be helpful.

sorry
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My daughter is 11 and we have let her graduate onto long boots for most things - she has very long legs and doesn't look right in jodhpur boots any longer. I think for showing, however, it would be correct for her to be in short boots.
 
There is no doubt that long boots look smarter. The UK is unusual in that there is an expectation that young riders will wear short boots, if you go anywhere else in Europe you hardly see them.

If you are doing a showing class that would be age specific, or pony specific then the short boots would still be correct, but in every other case long boots would be better
 
Arr, thanks. We used to show alot, but im not going to be doing any for a few years. Pip is a heinz 57, and Im not the right age, and he wouldn't fit a class, except WH but he doesn't really jump, and I dont have time. I would love to show our B's, but I would squidge them.

I recon I know what I will be asking for for christmas.

Ps. My legs are not short, but average length for my 5'4 frame, but my jacket is aweful.
 
i think 15 is the usual age to 'graduate'!
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though if you look young and are on a pony, short boots look better. also, certain horses match long boots, others look neater with joddy boots
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i'm poor atm, can't afford long boots, suppose i'll have to wear my black rubber ones i got free for xmas dressage, but rubber long boots don't allow enough movement in your heels, esp for dressage.

my jod boots are falling to bits!
 
you mentioned you might show B's i assume your refering to welsh sec B if so a lady i know shows hers @ county level & because they are a 'childs pony' she wears her short boots when showing & long boots for dressage
 
i am 17 and dont have long boots - but i always wear my jod boots and gaitors when at comps... even in working hunter pony! i now have a horse, and not sure when i will get long boots, as the gaitors and jod boots look like long boots but have ankle movement...

do you all think that i shud upgrade too?

my horse is 16.2 and i have long legs and a short body
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(sorry for hijacking post)

bytheby, why dont you ask for a pair of gaitors to go with your jod boots?
 
I was kind of given the impression that 16 was the benchmark year to change. I was 15 when i 'graduated', i had worn short boots for about a year and a half on a horse- but he is a show hunter type and only 15hh so it didn't look too daft. But now i wear them, i'll never turn back. They give you so much support and imo look a lot smarter than short boots. I even wear them competing on the little ponio (only sj though) and don't look daft.
I can honestly say once you have made the transition you will never turn back- I've only worn them for 2 years and have already collected 3 pairs
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im 25 and have still not graduated onto long boot, i just wear short boot and gaiters, i am however still on a 13.2hh
 
Thanks!

Im on 13.2's!

And yes, thanks the B's are welsh B's, the team in my sig and another.

I would like gaiters, but my boots are brown...
 
then why not get brown gaitors? my friend has them for show hunter pony classes...

you could always dye them to get them to match perfectly!
 
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